00:00So tracking some comments made that NATO troops stayed a little off the front lines in Afghanistan
00:04and that the U.S. has never necessarily needed us.
00:07Well, it's a real shame to hear that.
00:09The only time NATO has ever enacted Article 5 was after the 9-11 terrorist attacks
00:14when the United States and the world rallied to the support of the U.S.
00:17Our agencies, our forces, our politicians, we all stood together, shoulder to shoulder, and responded.
00:24On Afghanistan, frankly, this is utterly ridiculous.
00:26Yes, many courageous and honourable service personnel from many nations fought on the front line.
00:31Many fought way beyond it.
00:33I'd served five tours in Afghanistan, many alongside my American colleagues.
00:37We shed blood, sweat, and tears together, and not everybody came home.
00:42These are bonds, I think, forged in fire, protecting U.S. or shared interests,
00:47but actually protecting democracy overall.
00:48And I'd suggest to whoever believes these comments,
00:52come have a whiskey with me, my colleagues, their families,
00:55and importantly, the families of those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for both of our nations.
01:00It's also worth reminding everyone here in World War II,
01:03more British troops landed on D-Day than any other nation.
01:07It was an allied response and united we conquer.
01:11Now, some advice for anyone who may be listening.
01:13There are two great sayings worth remembering.
01:15Number one, there is only one worse thing than working with allies.
01:19That is working without them.
01:22And when you do, always remember,
01:24never above, never below, always side by side.
Comments